Earth sciences: The geology of Antarctica: a review

Abstract

Geological field work in Antarctica and the off-lying islands during the past two decades has contributed materially to the establishment of the stratigraphical succession in both East and West Antarctica. The tectonic evolution of Antarctica is discussed in relation to the known stratigraphical and structural data for the continent, and the rôle of Antarctica in several reconstructions of the former supercontinent of Gondwanaland critically examined. In this context, various aspects of the palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology, geochronology and stratigraphy of Antarctica is reviewed.